Northwest NEWS

July 30, 2001

Koganei students welcomed

BOTHELL - Bothell welcomed 12 eighth-grade students and three adult chaperones from Koganei, Japan, as part of its 10-year-old "sister city" program on Monday, July 23, in the Bothell Police Department Community Room.
The cities of Bothell and Koganei have established a successful cultural exchange program over the years in promoting international understanding and goodwill between citizens and the development of mutual respect and friendship.
Since the exchange program's inception in 1991, Bothell has hosted more than 100 students and sponsors. Working with staff and students at Bothell's Cedar Park Christian School, host families for Koganei students during their one-week stay are located.
"The city of Bothell is thrilled and honored to support this program each year," said City Manager Jim Thompson. "It is an important part of our community and we hope our Koganei students take back some of our city's magic and share it with their friends and families ..."
In the past, Bothell City Council members, city staff and Cedar Park Christian School administrators and students have had the opportunity to visit Koganei City.
At a special reception on Monday, July 23, the City of Bothell will formally welcome the group from Koganei, by providing gifts and special tours of City of Bothell's Police and Fire and E.M.S. headquarters, new Municipal Court Building, City parks and a local school.
"We're very fortunate to have this program in our City," said Thompson. "We will do everything we can to continue its growth and friendships with the citizens of Koganei."

City of Bothell Hires First-ever Assistant City Attorney
The City of Bothell announces the hiring of its first-ever in house Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor. Rhonda Giger comes from the City of Kent where she has worked since 1998. As a Kent City Prosecutor, Giger was responsible for handling the entire gamut of misdemeanor criminal offenses, including Domestic Violence offenses and Driving While Under the Influence. She currently teaches a class on domestic violence prosecution at the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy. In addition to her duties prosecuting, Giger handled the drug asset forfeitures for Kent.
Prior to working for the City of Kent, Giger worked as a Prosecutor for the City of Everett and Port Angeles. She has lived in the Puget Sound area for many years and enjoys basketball, softball and rock climbing. Giger will report to City Attorney Michael Weight.
"With Rhonda's experience, the City of Bothell Legal Department will represent our City at the highest level possible," said City Attorney Michael Weight. "The City's Legal team is in place and excited to serve our City."
"It's great to be a part of a growing city such as Bothell," said Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor Rhonda Giger. "I look forward to learning more about our citizens and how they interact with our City, in and out of the legal arena."
The City of Bothell Legal Department was newly created earlier this year. It consists of a City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor and a Paralegal.